Common features such as size, buoyancy, depth range, power output, endurance, and even price, are a few of the criteria that separate the newbie scooters from the pros. Read more about this in our Buyers’ Guide below.

As always, we at All Things Waterproof have spent countless hours of research to compile a list of the best underwater scooters on today’s market, ranging from entry-level sea scooters to professional DPV’s ensure you’ve got just what you need to enhance your underwater experience. Let’s check them out.

The Yamaha Explorer Seascooter is an entry level underwater scooter perfect for shallow diving and snorkeling thanks to its simple, lightweight, and easy-to-carry design. With a top speed of 2.5 mph and a GoPro mount included, it’s just what you need to explore the reefs and/or wrecks below. Weighing in at 11.5 lbs it’s easy to carry in one hand and works best if you get it a few feet below the surface and out of the surf.

Yamaha got it right again with the Explorer – perfect for beginners due to it’s positive buoyancy, simple and easy to operate. Safety features such as; a safety grille, auto shutoff, and dual trigger operation are like icing on the cake.

This is the slightly more advanced version of the Explorer. It’s a bit heavier and can reach depths of up to 100 ft. (30m). Weighing 18 lbs, it’s light enough to carry in one hand, earning its title as “a big performer in a tiny package.”

One of the stark differences the RDS250 has as compared to the Explorer is its increased run-time of 2 hours. While this may not last an entire day at the beach or pool, it’s still a much-needed improvement for snorkelers and shallow divers who want to spend some time in the water. There wasn’t much of an increase in top speed, which isn’t too much of a problem with the Yamaha under water diver propulsion vehicles, due to their intended uses.

Like the Explorer, it’s great for snorkelers at the surface and works best slightly below the surface, and equally, for divers, it’s the perfect beginner tool when getting into DPV – another great product by Yamaha.

Some users reported products with damaged parts – best to get the 180-day warranty

Technical Specs

Weight: 12 lbs

Speed: 2 mph

Max. Depth: 15.5 ft. (4.7 m)

Run time: 1.5 hrs.

Battery: 12V Rechargeable, Lead Acid

Of course, at All Things Waterproof, we couldn’t leave out the kids, and who better to go to for a kid’s underwater propulsion vehicle than Yamaha – with their Seal Sea Scooter.

Designed for ages 8 and up, its max speed is 2 mph with a depth rating of 15.5 ft. (4.7m), its built for safety and features a floating chassis, auto shutoff, and protective grilles. It’s rechargeable battery facilitates up to 1.5 hours of underwater fun on every single charge.

Transportation of the Seal is super easy and convenient making it perfect for trips to the beach, pool, or lake. It makes the perfect gift idea for kids.

TUSA is no stranger to the underwater world, being one of the world’s first scuba equipment manufacturers. And, now with their underwater scooter (DPV), and stark improvement to their previous SAV-7, TUSA presents the EVO.

The EVO now features an advanced acceleration system allowing for precise and smooth speed changes while in motion, an L.E.D battery indicator that lights up once the scooter is under power, a 3-speed propeller positioning feature for fine-tuned speed and efficiency, and a saddle wing – so up to 3 divers can now enjoy the underwater world.

Durable ABS resin makes up the body of the EVO, and it features 10% more torque than its predecessor, the SAV-7, with a depth range of 230 ft. (70m) and up to 80 minutes of run time between charges. It’s been said that even with 3 divers, the efficiency and run time of this diver propulsion vehicle are not significantly affected.

The EVO-2, another diver propulsion vehicle by TUSA, boasts the majority of features found in the EVO. It shares the progressive acceleration system for smooth and precise speed changes, L.E.D battery indicator, 3-speed propeller system, and diving saddle with its capabilities of carrying 2 additional divers.

However, where the EVO-2 makes its mark over its predecessor EVO, is it’s additional 10% torque, increased run time from 80 minutes to 120 minutes, and although it’s marginally increased top speed is 2.8 mph, it offers an increased cruise range of 23,622 ft. The EV0-2 DPV is also negatively buoyant, unlike the EVO’s neutral buoyancy, and now features a lithium ion battery.

With its newly designed hands-free riding style saddle, the EVO-2 decreases fatigue, reduces air consumption, and like the EVO, enhances safety in almost any diving environment of depths up to 230 ft. (70m).

Dive Xtras Inc., the creators of the Cuda 400 DPV, pride themselves in manufacturing the highest performance, lightweight and powerful underwater scooters in the world – and so, of course, it’s no surprise they made our list.

Some of the key features found in the Cuda 400 range from its air travel-safe NiHm battery, to its “on-the-fly” gear shift system, allowing divers to simply click to slow down and double-click to speed up – which you really can’t ask for anything simpler. The scooter boots up in 3rd gear but has a total of 8 gears.

Rated at 266 ft./min. in top speed, this underwater scooter has a max depth of 600 ft. (183m), and a run time of 111 minutes at cruise speed – decreasing to only 21 minutes at maximum speed.

Dive Xtras Inc. has really proven that they know how to produce a high performance product that meets the necessities of technical divers, while maintaining the qualities and features that recreational divers love.

If you thought the Cuda 400 was good, the Piranha is like its more epic brother – or sister. The Piranha P1 features an all new propeller system, which has kept the original blades from the Cuda, but minus the complex mechanisms.

It also features a trap, for pesky fishing lines, that saves the diver from having to remove the propeller should a fishing line inadvertently find its way into your path.

For technical divers, a data logger allows you to capture all the key electronics data after each of your actual dives, and with a program and Windows computer, this data is accessible right at your fingertips.

For the recreational divers, you may be interested in its pre-installed GoPro mount, built into the handle, that facilitates the capturing of steady, HD, epic underwater footage.

A removable NiHM battery pack makes it safe and easy for air travel, and the P1 can reach depths up to 600 ft. – much like its Cuda 400 counterpart. Weighing almost 10 lbs lighter than the Cuda, the P1 Model has an increased cruise speed run time of 120 minutes and max speed run time of 45 minutes.

The Piranha P1 diver propulsion vehicle is easily the lightest and most powerful underwater scooter that Drive-Xtras could design, keeping with their commitment to recreational and technical divers alike.

On their website, Sub-Gravity’s philosophy is that diving is more than just sport and recreation, to them, it’s a lifestyle. With a mission statement like that, we see their dedication to the craft in their Aquaprop L Diver Propulsion Vehicle.

With a low weight of 15 lbs it has been designed for use in a wide range of environments – such as the pool, ocean, or lakes. This DPV features a run-time of up to 75 minutes, a top speed of 164 ft/min. (50m/min.) with controls that can be used with either one or two hands.

The Aquaprop L DPV is simple to operate, easy to handle, and has a depth rating of 295 ft. (90m) – ideal for most pros.

Essentially, Sub-Gravity designed an underwater diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) that can enhance both safety and pleasure in advanced underwater environments.

The Reference RS Diver Propulsion Vehicle is another innovative, high performance and reliable scooter by Sub-Gravity. RS stands for Rennsport, which translates in English to Racing Sport. And Sub-Gravity has ensured that the Reference RS lives up to that title.

What makes the Reference RS a cut above its Sub-Gravity counterpart, and other underwater scooters, is its powerful servo motor and specially designed battery pack.

Its motor design combines power and efficiency, offering an almost 4.5 hour drive time at cruise speed, and it’s battery system relies on lithium manganese technology. The advantage to this lithium manganese technology, as compared to other DPV battery packs, is it offers a high power density retaining up to 80% capacity after 500 charging cycles – and a minuscule 2% self-discharge per month.

High-performance carbon fiber makes up the body tube giving it rugged and durable performance in all environments, as well as, a corrosion-resistant surface while maintaining at relatively low weight throughout.

Due to it’s special servo motor design, Sub-Gravity was able to increase their motor efficiency from the industry standard 92% to between 95% – 96%. With a depth rating of 650 ft. (200m), there is no doubt that the Sub-Gravity Reference RS is a high-performance design in a compact package.

Pegasus Thruster Full Package

Our Rating:

Recommended for: Recreational Divers, Professional Divers and Military Divers

Pegasus has been the leader of fixed, mounted diver propulsion vehicles since 2002, providing a line of high-performance thrusters for underwater professionals ranging from military operations, search & rescue missions, to media crews and explorers.

One of the main features of the Pegasus Thruster, is its ability to mount to the diver’s scuba cylinder allowing a completely hands-free experience – allowing you to freely operate your camera, light, and other accessories.

At a top speed of 170 ft./min. divers will get approximately 35 to 45 minutes of continuous run time, and a maximum depth of 325 ft. (99m). The Pegasus diver propulsion vehicle is crafted from strong, durable, corrosion-resistant aircraft grade aluminum making it great for almost any underwater environment – especially salt water.

With a Pegasus Thruster, divers have access to a patented, tank-mounted propulsion system with all the power to meet their needs, compacted in a lightweight, low-maintenance package.

The Torpedo 2500, as the name suggests, stands out due to its bold, white torpedo-like appearance. According to Torpedo themselves, their DPV designs are made to provide divers with increased mobility, less air consumption, increased range and bottom time – within tables.

Constructed from fiberglass and powder coated aluminum, the Torpedo 2500 maximizes thrust efficiency, and is negatively buoyant, making it easier to change out accessories when underwater, but is also compatible with floatation devices for users who need it to be positively buoyant – like snorkelers. It also has a magnetic safety feature conveniently located in its Velcro strap.

This DPV is rated to depths of up to 170 ft. (52m) with a top speed of 2.5 mph and a run-time of 55 minutes. The Torpedo 2500 is great for dive professionals and recreational divers alike, providing outstanding hydrodynamics with precision balance for all your diving needs.

Disadvantages

Fast movement caused by the DPV can scare marine life away or into hiding

What Do I Need To Look For When Choosing a Sea Scooter or DPV?

We’d like to share with you the criteria we used in searching for the best in underwater diver propulsion vehicles, to save you the hassle and time and get you into the water faster.

Size

Naturally, the sizes of underwater scooters will vary. Choosing the perfect scooter size will depend greatly on your intended use. Where cylinder-mounted scooters, like the Pegasus, may be more compact and lightweight, they’re basically useless for someone who wants to snorkel or free dive. Therefore, take into consideration exactly what you’ll be using your scooter for – whether professional, recreational or even a bit of both can make the difference.

Intended Use

Speaking of use, as we mentioned above, the type of sea scooter you choose should depend greatly on your intended use. We’ve sectioned our list into categories to assist you in quickly finding a scooter that best suits your needs.

Scooters with positive buoyancy are great for beginners and pleasure divers who may want their scooter to float to the surface should they become separated from it – internationally or unintentionally.

On the other hand, divers who will likely be changing out gear and accessories frequently during expeditions, may prefer a negative buoyant scooter that will facilitate gear changes at the bottom. We touch more on buoyancy a little further down.

Depth Range

The depth range of scooters, as you would’ve seen in the reviews section of this article, varies greatly. If you’re into technical diving, DPVs such as; Sub-Gravity, TUSA, and Dive-Xtras are ideal because of their deep depth ranges ranging from 200 ft. to almost 700 ft.

Always bear in mind that range can be restricted based on various factors such as the amount of breathing gas that can be carried, the rate under which it’s consumed, and time limits imposed by dive tables and calculations. When in doubt, always consult an expert or instructor.

Speed

Again, much like size and depth range, the speed of the DPV you choose should be predicated on your intended use. Slower DPVs are good for snorkeling and shallow diving where you’ll naturally want to take your time and enjoy the sights the marine world has to offer.

For mission-oriented diving such as search & rescues, military operations, or even survey diving, a faster DPV would be a far better option.

Buoyancy

Finally, we can tell you all about buoyancy – we’re sure you were curious after seeing it throughout our entire article. We cannot stress enough that buoyancy is vital to diver safety.

Most DPVs have the ability to compensate for poor buoyancy while moving, however, on stopping, if the correct adjustments were not made to suit changes in depth while diving, divers can be exposed to rapid ascents or descents – resulting in potentially lethal barotrauma.

Pay attention to the buoyancy features of the DPV you’re choosing, as it can directly influence your dive experience. As aforementioned, positive buoyancy is great for beginners and kids, or snorkelers and shallow divers, whereas, negative buoyancy can be advantageous for frequent underwater gear and accessory changes.

Neutral buoyancy is usually preferred, and found, in professional underwater scooters since they can be left unattended and remain undisturbed while tethered to the diver.

Endurance

This depends greatly on the size, model, battery type, and capacity of the scooter used, but much like depth range, choosing a scooter based on endurance will vary depending on your intended use.

As you might have seen us mention – especially with the Yamaha models for beach and pool use, a scooter with 1 to 2 hours endurance is good for the beach, although maybe still a little too short, but definitely not recommended for professional or technical dives.

Prices

By all means, this should play an important role in your criteria when looking for an underwater propulsion vehicle. If you want something to knock around with the kids recreationally and snap a few pics of turtles and fish, then a cheaper, lower end scooter will probably do the job just fine.

However, taking your precious life in the depths of a cave or deep sea diving adventure, then it would definitely be worth the extra bucks for a more reliable, quality brand scooter.

Materials Used

While this can be easily overlooked, again, intended use will play a pretty important role when choosing a DPV. For those who will be predominantly operating in saltwater conditions, a corrosion-resistant scooter like Pegasus Thruster or Sub-Gravity Reference RS would be ideal options.

In rough, taxing terrain like cave diving or search & rescue ops, consider a DPV like the Torpedo 2500. For easy snorkeling and shallow diving adventures, the Yamahas structural design is ideal for bumping into the sides of pools, doubled with features like the floating chassis.

Conclusion

There it is guys and gals, another wonderful chapter in the world of waterproof adventures. An underwater diver propulsion vehicle is perfect for almost any water-related activity.

Follow our Buyer’s Guide and you won’t be disappointed the next time you head into the underwater caves and caverns; you won’t be worried on your next search and rescue mission, and you certainly won’t be bored at the pool or the beach.

As fun and intriguing as they can be, DPVs are still a serious tool, so do your research, ask an instructor or one of our experts here at All Things Waterproof and you definitely can’t go wrong. With that said, mount your GoPro, or your favorite underwater camera, and go explore all that the underwater world has to offer.

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